Following the team with a unique perspective on all things Phillies.Email me: PhilliesPhollowers@comcast.net – Peace, Love & Baseball – Jenn

Burrell Not At Top Of The List

Apparently, new GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has more important things on his mind these days than left field.With the Phillies having exclusive bargaining rights with Pat Burrell until this Friday, it is somewhat surprising that they have yet to even contact him.However, Burrell continues to make his presence known.Yesterday, he showed up at the Eagles game along with Cole Hamels to participate in the pre-game coin toss.They were given a very warm ovation from the crowd.I am guessing they needed it…Burrell looks like he is freezing!

Burrell has expressed more than a few times that he wants to remain in Philadelphia.He was quoted by the Philadelphia Inquirer as saying, “I think it’s been very clear that I want to stay, and they know that. But at the same time, I don’t know what the direction of the organization is. Either way, I’ve got nothing but positive things and thanks to say to the organization for my time here. And obviously, this past couple weeks has been the end of it all. I want to be back, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”The issue is rumored to be number of years as opposed to salary, although with 10 arbitration eligible players on their list, the Phillies front office has got to have dollar signs in mind as well.Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels are both going to want hefty salaries, and that is only 2 of the 10.Not to mention we have another 8.5 million that will be thrown away, yet again, on a useless Adam Eaton.

What is at the top of the Phillies’ wish list is left-handed pitching, more specifically re-signing both Jamie Moyer and Scott Eyre.They will most likely get these deals done before all others.Amaro does seem prepared to sail this ship without Burrell…he has mentioned Greg Dobbs on more than one occasion as a replacement.He even compared the Dobbs situation to Jayson Werth’s, who really blossomed once he became a starter.Amaro said that “sometimes all a guy needs is a chance,” when referring to starting Dobbs in left field.So just like we were forced to part ways with Aaron Rowand last off-season, so may we be in the same boat with Burrell this year.Hey…maybe he’ll go to the Giants to hang with Rowand?They certainly don’t mind signing long term deals… :o)

Here’s one more photo from the Eagles game…their wives are going to LOVE this one!

1 Comment

PAT THE BAT…104 RBI’S…33 HRS. AND A .991 FIELDING PERCENTAGE…OVER 8 BIG LEAGUE YEARS…(PER YEAR)….HE HAD 2 ERRORS IN 155 GAMES IN 2008….WHATZIT COST TO REPLACE THOSE NUMBERS RUBEN????? SIGN BURRELL!!!!!

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